Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) is one of the holiest and most lofty personalities of Kashmir. Through his actions and teachings, he captivated the hearts of the people, calling them to truth and righteousness in this world and the Hereafter. He inspired and purified their hearts with the conviction of the Oneness of Allah, devotion, and unwavering faith.

He was born in 900 A.H. (circa 1494 CE) in the remote village of Tujar Sharief, Zaingir, Sopore, during the reign of Sultan Mohammad Shah of the Shahmiri dynasty. His father, Baba Usman Raina, belonged to a Chandra-Vanshi Rajput family and was a hereditary landlord, a scholar, and a mystic. The spiritually and religiously motivated parental guidance profoundly influenced Sheikh Hamza, leading him to follow the path of the righteous. At an early age, he completed the recitation and learning of the Quran and was soon taken to Srinagar by his grandfather, Zaini Raina, where he was placed in the august company of Baba Ismail Zahid (RA). He received education (Daras) from Baba Fatah-ul-Allah (RA) at the Khankah Dar-ul-Shifa, situated in the southeast of Kohi Maran (Hari Parbat). He was not only a passionate student of Hadith, Tafsir, Arabic, and Persian but also transformed his learning into deep conviction and devotion to his spiritual guide (Murshid).

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